The Constant Release Technique Part 4

Coordination Issues

I am left handed and right footed, which has made for some interesting combinations over the years. Oneof the first things I noticed is when I got this going that I would lead with the toes, I would play toe, toe, heel, heel to get this, which, you know sounds fantastic on it’s own. As soon as I bring the hi-hat in, my hi-hat hand does not like playing with that front stroke, which was a pain in the ass, to put it mildly.

So, I noticed that I feel the down-stroke in my heel, so I had to reverse it.

So, I had to teach myself to play heel, heel, toe, toe.

Now, if you practise this technique you should be able to do it both ways, because in certain positions in the bar, hits are are generated from the front, whereas if I’m playing something where I’ve got to hit with a snare drum I’ll lead with the heel. So, you need to learn it both ways, but to get a roll going you practise the technique and you just interleave.

So, that’s basically it. It’s kind of like on the hands playing Moeller on each hand, and then putting them together. One way you can practise it is to actually do that (play hands and feet in unison) The main thing you’re looking for is that this should feel effortless.

There’s no tension,

I’m not pushing, the pedal’s doing the work for me, and it feels like my foot’s just being pushed up and down. Floating on the pedal.